Michael Pittman Jr. makes “big” bets in Colts win despite injury

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After days of reflection, which included an hour-long conversation with his father, the difficult decision facing Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. became clearer: a back injury that occurred last week had become increasingly acute and threatened to send the veteran to injured reserve player, he had no intention of stopping him from playing.

Pittman, who faced an extended absence early last week, was more than able to push through the pain. He also scored the Colts' game-winning touchdown in Sunday's 20-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

“I can’t say too much, but there were definitely decisions that could have gone the other way,” Pittman said of his injury. “But I just feel like we have so much left to play for. So as long as it’s out there, I’ll keep going.”

Pittman made a physical 10-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Joe Flacco with 7:27 left, with Pittman beating Tennessee's No. 1 cornerback L'Jarius Sneed for the jump ball in the end zone.

Pittman then added to the ice of the game when he beat Sneed with a hard 16-yard catch down the sideline to deny the ball with 2:12 left, forcing the Titans to take their final timeout after the ensuing 2-minute warning.

It wasn't exactly Pittman's most productive day, especially since his snaps were limited by the injury. But he made the plays when they counted.

“Toughest guy I've ever been around,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said of Pittman, who had three catches for 35 yards. “When we needed a play, he made the big shot.”

Fellow receiver Alec Pierce said, “When he told me what it was, I knew, because I knew him, 'Oh, he's going to play'… Just like he always plays. He’s super tough.”

Pittman struggled with how to proceed for several days last week. He consulted with many parties, including his father, former NFL running back Michael Pittman Sr., who offered some clear advice that reflected the toughness he displayed during his own career.

“He just said I should play if I felt like I could be effective,” the younger Pittman recalled. “And we sat there and talked for an hour because I had to talk to a lot of people before I made this final plan. And he was one of the people I spoke to, obviously the closest. Because it was him.” He went through a lot of things, so I just followed his advice.

Pittman did not provide specific details about his injury, but acknowledged that dealing with it will be a week-to-week situation and that his condition could change.

“We considered every single option,” he said. “And honestly, (injured reserve) is still not off the table. But as long as I’m feeling good and I can go out and win routes, I’ll be out there.”

Elsewhere, the Colts turned to Flacco for a second straight start as Anthony Richardson continues to battle an oblique injury. Steichen said he decided on Flacco “late in the week” because Richardson “just wasn’t ready yet.”

Richardson, who was the Colts' No. 3 emergency QB on Sunday, wanted to play but said he didn't push back on his coach's decision.

“Everything for the team,” Richardson told ESPN. “If they feel like it’s best for me to sit another week, I listen to them. If they feel like it's best for me to go out and play, I'll listen to them. Whatever they think is best. For the team, that’s it.”

When asked how his injury feels, Richardson said: “I’m still recovering. If they had said I would be rolling this week, I would have gone out and rolled. But I still feel good. Hopefully I'll be back out there next week.